BERGENFIELD — The chairman of the borough's zoning board has a possible conflict of interest that could prevent him from hearing an Orthodox Jewish congregation's application to build a new synagogue, an attorney fighting the plan alleged on Thursday.

Robert Simon, the attorney, who represents a neighbor opposed to the plan, said in a letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment that its chairman, Shimmy Stein, appears to have a "personal relationship" with either the applicant, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, or its rabbi due to a congratulatory ad placed in a publication three years ago. The ad, which was for a congregation event, bears the names of Stein and his wife.

"Having the Board reach a decision which is untainted by allegations of conflict should be in the best interests of the Board, the Applicant, and the public," Simon wrote in the four-page letter.

Simon called on Stein and the other zoning board members to publicly disclose any conflicts they may have when the board continues hearing the synagogue application on Monday.

"Any potential conflicts revealed could then be discussed by the Board, the Applicant, and the public, and appropriate decisions regarding recusal (if applicable) could be made," Simon wrote.

An attorney for an opponent to Congregation Ohr Ha Torah's plan to build a new synagogue claims this ad indicates a "personal relationship" between Zoning Board Chairman Shimmy Stein and either the congregation or its rabbi.(Photo: Courtesy of Robert Simon)

Stein said the ad poses "no legal conflict whatsoever" and that he "absolutely" intends to continue hearing the application.

Stein would not confirm whether he paid for the ad, saying only that "it has my name on it."

Stein referred all other questions to zoning board attorney Ronald Mondello, who did not return calls placed to his cellphone or Fair Lawn law office.

Calls placed to Simon and to Bruce Rosenberg, the congregation's attorney, also were not returned.